The Dark Web, An Unlimited Resource For Unregulated Drugs
Because there’s no legal protection for illegal purchases, the bitcoin payments sit in escrow until the goods have been delivered and both parties are satisfied. That exposes the seller to exchange-rate risk, because bitcoin is an extremely volatile currency. If you’re hoping to score drugs or something else and have a high level of patience and tolerance for consumer and legal risk, there are certainly worse ways of doing it. The Daily Dot doesn’t recommend or endorse the purchase of illicit substances, contraband, or any other illegal goods. But if you’re curious how to buy things, in general, from the deep web, this guide will walk you through the basics. Encryption technologies allow vendors to communicate with customers and receive payments anonymously.
Understanding the Dark Web
The surface web is what most of us use every day for our work, shopping, or enjoyment. These are sites that can be found through the most popular browsers and include links to corporations, businesses, news organizations, political sites, social media platforms, blogs, online stores, and other frequently visited websites. These are sites that can be indexed by search engines such as Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo. For over a year, Howell and Mower received kilogram-quantities of cocaine from a darknet cocaine supplier and then re-sold that cocaine to their own customers in Colorado and across the country via their own darknet vendor account. Together, Howell and Mower shipped nearly 50 kilograms of cocaine to their customers through the U.S. In addition, during this criminal activity, Howell stole the identity of another person and used it to, among other things, gain access to a TSA-controlled area of an international airport to board a flight to Denver.
But for it to reduce most of the violence and other risks in the drug trade, the dark web would need to reach a larger market. And despite its impressive growth, both TheEconomist1 and Christin agree that probably won’t happen. Christin says the market’s exponential growth rate is starting to slow as it converges on its natural, relatively small, size. That makes it feasible for him to cultivate abandoned houses as drug delivery destinations. Most buyers just have the drugs shipped to their homes (especially if it’s a small amount) or to a friend’s house or PO box. A Quartz summer intern said that at his university, different frat houses had agreements to receive each other’s drug shipments.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and is accessible only through specific software, such as Tor. This hidden part of the internet is often associated with illegal activities, including the trade of various illicit substances.
Can You Buy Drugs on the Dark Web?
Many individuals wonder, can you buy drugs on the dark web? The answer is yes, but it comes with significant risks and considerations. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
“The international data was passed on to Europol,” says Van de Coevering. The data derived from Dutch trades on the platform, about 500 that month, were collected for further research. “As more people see how much money can be made, more opportunistic methods are being used. And that can be seen in the range of products too,” he said. This is the new breed of dark net markets—one that will make the next big international takedown much harder to pull off.
Unfortunately, the numbers aren’t all good when it comes to buying illegal drugs on the dark web. Another 2016 report, carried out by RAND and commissioned by the Dutch government, revealed that the UK now has the highest number of online drug dealers in Europe. Unless authorities have reasonable suspicion to believe that a package contains illegal substances, they cannot open it.
Why are these markets still seen as enticing places to sell drugs, despite the risks? To find out, our recent study surveyed 13 darknet drug vendors, via online encrypted interviews. Comprising the other 4% of the Internet and accessible only through encrypted and anonymous Tor Browsers, the Dark Web is the domain of criminals, extremists, hackers, and drug dealers.
The only products that are viable on an anonymous marketplace are those that are easily transferable and in high demand to a loyal base of repeat customers. If a customer is going to be a one-off, the seller has no incentive to provide the goods or service once payment has been made. Much simpler to take the money and not carry out the crime, as confirmed by Yura, the owner of Besa Mafia, the most profitable murder-for-hire site in history, who has collected nearly a million dollars, but has never killed anyone. Dark web marketplace customers could also come undone if customs officers or postal workers discover their illicit packages before they are delivered. While hidden website users told BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat programme in January they are 99% certain to receive drugs they order through dark web marketplaces, law enforcement agencies are stepping up efforts to intercept packages sent by online dealers. Anybody tempted by the security dark web marketplaces appear to offer should consider the potential dangers before using them, as there won’t be a customer service department to complain to if things go wrong.
- Anonymity: Users can remain relatively anonymous, but this doesn’t guarantee complete safety.
- Variety of Products: A wide range of drugs, from recreational to prescription medications, are available.
- Marketplaces: The dark web hosts numerous marketplaces where drugs can be bought and sold.
How to Access Dark Web Marketplaces
Accessing the dark web involves several steps:
- Download and install the Tor Browser.
- Ensure proper security measures, such as using a VPN.
- Find and access dark web marketplaces through directories.
- Create an anonymous account on a marketplace if required.
- Browse listings and use cryptocurrency for transactions.
Risks of Buying Drugs on the Dark Web
Engaging in drug purchases on the dark web is fraught with risks:
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing drugs online is illegal and can lead to arrests and legal charges.
- Scams: Many sellers may not deliver products or may sell fake substances.
- Health Risks: The quality and safety of drugs are highly questionable, leading to potential health hazards.
Safety Precautions
If someone considers buying drugs on the dark web, taking precautions is critical:
- Use a reputable marketplace with positive reviews.
- Transact using cryptocurrencies to maintain anonymity.
- Consider researching substances thoroughly before purchasing.
- Be wary of sharing personal information.
FAQs
What Are Dark Net Drugs?
Dark net drugs refer to illegal substances sold via dark web marketplaces. These can range from marijuana to more dangerous synthetic drugs.
Is It Possible to Get Caught While Buying Drugs on the Dark Web?
Yes, law enforcement agencies actively monitor dark web activities. Engaging in illegal purchases carries a high risk of apprehension.
Are There Alternatives to Buying Drugs on the Dark Web?
Yes, there are legal alternatives, including seeking help through rehabilitation programs or contacting healthcare professionals for legitimate treatment.
Conclusion
- One 2015 study of 2723 dark web sites showed 57% hosting illicit material.
- About a dozen of the site’s top drug dealers were arrested soon after the takeover, others are still under investigation.
- Having previously not counted ‘crack cocaine’ separately, police have revealed they took 1,026.5 grams of the addictive drug off Plymouth streets over the past year.
- After all, you can’t exactly use Paypal or your credit card to pay for illegal drugs.
The question, can you buy drugs on the dark web, has a clear answer: yes, but it is fraught with legal, health, and safety risks. It is crucial for individuals to consider these dangers before venturing into the dark web for any illicit purchases.
